When a football team proclaims it is playing for the people of Hawaii, it invites, well, the people of Hawaii, to voice their opinions, suggestions and critiques on which strategies and motivational tools they would prefer to use.

And the voices become louder when an athletic department charges viewers for telecasts, and extra fees for the right to buy seats in specific sections.

The decibel level is highest when an offense struggles against a statistically deficient defense, even after a dramatic victory.

Public opinion factors in the setting of odds, and the expectations are the Warriors should win big. Thing is, the Warriors are a good team, just not a knockout one, not with first-year starters at nine offensive positions, and injuries throughout the depth chart. And while every WAC opponent might not be good, each has some very good players.

What should be remembered is the Warriors reflect Hawaii's workforce. They get up early, work hard (with many having two jobs), and embrace the aloha concept. In that regard, the Warriors are Hawaii's team.

MOSCOW — Of all the reasons to conduct a walk-through practice, two compelling ones are found in the Gem State — Idaho's Kibbie Dome and Boise State's blue turf. Few other sites are comparable.

Only 13 of the 64 Warriors on the travel roster played in the Kibbie Dome in 2009, the last meeting in Moscow between UH and Idaho.

Unlike other domes, Kibbie is smaller (seating capacity of 16,000), with no seats behind the end zones. UH punter Alex Dunnachie was able to boot punts that struck the hanging scoreboard during the walk-through in 2009.

The conditions have improved, with a forgiving artificial surface and more lighting tracks installed. Also, a wall behind the end zone was refurbished to allow in more natural lighting. All of which is to say: The Kibbie Dome is not Aloha Stadium.

LEWISTON — The Warriors had a brisk practice this afternoon at Lewiston High School, where the mercury was in the low 50s. The forecast called for the 40s, so it was considered to be somewhat balmy, in comparison. Still, several players wore attachable pouches to keep their hands warm between plays.

It won't be a problem for Saturday's game.

"We're gonna be playing indoors," defensive tackle Kaniela Tuipulotu said of the game in the Kibbie Dome, where the Warriors will conduct a walk-through tomorrow.

Linebackers Corey Paredes and Aaron Brown resumed practicing today. Paredes has a strained PCL, and Brown has an ankle condition.

Because the Warriors don't have their usual scout players because of travel-roster limitations, the offense and defense took turns with matchups between a first-team unit and second-team squad. The offensive starters practiced their plays for six minutes, with the defensive starters getting their turn, and so forth.

After practice, the players were given free time. The hotel is on the same property as a sporting-goods store and two fast-food restaurants. During these times, the players wondered what it would be like if a measure to provide stipends were in place already.

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Ty Austin, whose father played for the UH baseball team, became a die-hard Warrior fan after visiting the islands a couple of years ago:

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Quarterback Bryant Moniz:

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Cornerback Mike Edwards:

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Running back Joey Iosefa:

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Kicker Kenton Chun:

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Left wideout Trevor Davis:

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Left slotback Billy Ray Stutzmann:

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Slotback Miah Ostrowski:

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Lewiston High has a one of the softest grass fields:

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Steve Christian Sr. said his son, Steve Jr., a UH safety, will undergo hip surgery next month. Steve Christian Jr. is scheduled to earn a bachelor's degree in May, after which he will transfer to a school where he can play as a fifth-year player. The NCAA allows students who have graduated in four years and used a redshirt to play at another school without having to sit out a season.